I can't begin to count the number of times the stuff I was carrying (and everyone scoffed at) was of benefit, usually to someone else who ridiculed what I was carrying. Lights, fire starting, tools, first aid kit, shelter, tape, car emergency kit, maps, umbrella (yes, I like umbrellas), water, sunscreen, you name it. So many times I have come up on someone sitting on a trail or sidewalk looking rough, and I help them out with something and get them on their (correct) way. It is usually something very simple, that weighs almost nothing, that they either chose not to carry or forgot.

Let us not forget the credit card! How many emergencies have been averted by that pice of plastic! Again, usually not my emergency.